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A Brief Description of the Task Force

The Duluth Task Force for Improved Community Police Accountability (DTFICPA) is a collaboration between community members and the Duluth Police Department (DPD). The DTFICPA has been working together for several years to build trust and accountability between the DPD and the diverse communities in Duluth, as well as promoting a culture of racial justice within the DPD and the broader community, including Cloquet and members of the Fond du Lac Band and other tribes throughout northern Minnesota. 

As part of this process, the Task Force has determined that a comprehensive assessment is needed both to determine the most effective type of civilian oversight and to educate the community and the police about how to better increase a climate of trust and accountability.  In doing this, we are looking for recommendations for improving police community relations.

Over 30 members of the community have been involved at various stages in the processing of their concerns regarding police-community relations and the potential of community oversight of the Duluth Police Department since 2007. 

The DTFICPA has contracted with a consultant, Eileen Luna-Firebaugh, JD, MPA, who has experience in conducting assessments of law enforcement agencies and advises on issues related to citizen review boards.

Ms. Luna-Firebaugh is utilizing range of assessment tools and strategies that include:

1. A community survey to assess the community’s current perspectives on the adequacy and fairness of police services and perspectives of racial injustice in the community.  The survey will also seek community input for building trust and strengthening the police-community relationship, including their views as to the need for a civilian oversight system and to their preferred approach to police accountability.
2. A review of relevant city documents and city ordinances, relevant police protocols and procedures, police statistics and statistical summaries, and any complaint investigations received from 2005-2009.
3. A series of interviews and public forums with stakeholders and community groups, in both an individual and focus group formats.

Ms. Luna-Firebaugh began the assessment process in March, 2010, and expects to complete it by the end of August, 2010. Recommendations regarding a community review process will be made to DTFICPA for their review at that time.